Boron-induced tuning of electronic and superconducting behavior in sp <sup>2</sup> carbon: pentagraphite C <sub>8</sub> and B <sub>2</sub> C <sub>6</sub>

Boron doping is a proven strategy to tune bonding and electronic states in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon, yet its quantitative effect on lattice dynamics and ability to induce superconductivity in three-dimensional carbon allotropes remain poorly understood. Here we combine density functional theory with lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling (EPC) analysis to systematically compare the prototypical pentagraphite C<sub>8</sub> with its boron-substituted analogue B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>. Both frameworks are dynamically stable, as verified by phonon spectra free of imaginary modes, and <i>ab initio</i> molecular dynamics. Boron incorporation reshapes the π electronic states near the Fermi level, enhances the density of states, and softens key phonon branches that strengthen EPC. Consequently, B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub> shows a substantially larger coupling constant (<i>λ</i> = 1.06) and a predicted superconducting transition temperature of 15.4 K, contrasting with non-superconducting pentagraphite (<i>λ</i> = 0.15). Simulated X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra are provided to guide experimental synthesis and phase identification. These results highlight boron doping as a versatile approach to engineer lattice dynamics, mechanical response, and superconductivity in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon frameworks, offering design principles for lightweight superconducting carbon materials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cp03942h
Primary Topic
Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Boron-induced tuning of electronic and superconducting behavior in sp 2 carbon: pentagraphite C 8 and B 2 C 6

Shan Jiang, Hao Chen, Jing Wang, Dan Zhou et al.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research
article

Boron-induced tuning of electronic and superconducting behavior in sp 2 carbon: pentagraphite C 8 and B 2 C 6

Shan Jiang, Hao Chen, Jing Wang, Dan Zhou, Ying Xu
article en

Abstract

Boron doping is a proven strategy to tune bonding and electronic states in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon, yet its quantitative effect on lattice dynamics and ability to induce superconductivity in three-dimensional carbon allotropes remain poorly understood. Here we combine density functional theory with lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling (EPC) analysis to systematically compare the prototypical pentagraphite C<sub>8</sub> with its boron-substituted analogue B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub>. Both frameworks are dynamically stable, as verified by phonon spectra free of imaginary modes, and <i>ab initio</i> molecular dynamics. Boron incorporation reshapes the π electronic states near the Fermi level, enhances the density of states, and softens key phonon branches that strengthen EPC. Consequently, B<sub>2</sub>C<sub>6</sub> shows a substantially larger coupling constant (<i>λ</i> = 1.06) and a predicted superconducting transition temperature of 15.4 K, contrasting with non-superconducting pentagraphite (<i>λ</i> = 0.15). Simulated X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra are provided to guide experimental synthesis and phase identification. These results highlight boron doping as a versatile approach to engineer lattice dynamics, mechanical response, and superconductivity in sp<sup>2</sup> carbon frameworks, offering design principles for lightweight superconducting carbon materials.

Physical Chemistry Chemical PhysicsVol. 27(45)
Changchun University of Science and Technology (CN), Changchun University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 74%
Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research
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